3 Children Evacuated From 2-Alarm Fire In West Haven

WEST HAVEN, CT — Three children were safely evacuated from a fire at a home on Admiral Street in the city’s Allingtown District on Tuesday morning, according to fire officials.

The fire was reported around 10:30 a.m. in the back of the home, according to Allingtown Fire Chief Michael Terenzio.

A smoke condition created by the fire was originally noticed by City of West Haven FD – Allingtown unit Car #4 from approximately a quarter mile away, according to Terenzio.

“Car #4 headed to the area on Admiral and discovered a fire developing at the rear of the structure and taking hold of the wooden porches in the rear,” Terenzio wrote in a news release. “The fire was initially thought to have involved the basement. Car#4 then radioed the City of West Haven Emergency Reporting System 911 Center and requested a box assignment for a structure fire, while numerous 911 calls simultaneously were being received in the center.”

Residents and neighbors at the location said there were three children and a pet still inside the location, as numerous smoke detectors could be heard from inside the structure, according to Terenzio.

“First responding units were able to locate the children who were still in the first-floor apartment that was beginning to fill with light smoke,” Terenzio wrote. “They were safely removed from the apartment while firefighting operations commenced.

“The collective fire services in the city had just issued a High Heat Stress Alert Operational Level III in accordance with the department's Heat Stress Reduction protocol just prior to the fire. The standard guideline at this level requires an automatic transmission of a 2nd alarm to bring additional personnel resources on scene during extreme climatic conditions present at the time of this fire. Additional personnel resources are to provide more frequent relief of firefighters performing fire suppression operations during extreme heat conditions, and to allow for necessary vital rehab to protect personnel from the ill effects of heat exhaustion and or heat prostration.”

Terenzio said the New Haven and Milford fire departments dispatched units to cover the city while all on-duty personnel from the Allingtown, West Haven Center, and West Shore fire districts were committed to the Admiral Street fire.

“AMR dispatched 2 ambulances, also as part of the protocol during extreme heat to assist with providing rehab for firefighters and checking their vital sings to identify any developing physical conditions related to heat stress illness,” Terenzio wrote.

Terenzio said the fire was ultimately brought under control in an hour and a half, and is being investigated by the fire marshal. No injuries were reported or sustained by firefighters or residents, according to Terenzio.

The American Red Cross is providing assistance to the residents who were temporarily displaced.

“The City of West Haven FD wants to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the value of ensuring properly operating smoke detectors are installed in their homes to provide for their fire safety,” Terenzio wrote. “Additionally, during times of combined high heat and humid conditions, the onset of heat-related illness can occur quickly and these conditions should not be taken lightly. When possible, remain in cool air-conditioned environments, remain hydrated, and refrain from strenuous outdoor activities, especially in sunlight.”